Legal Resources
Constitution of Nepal
नेपालको संविधान
Nepal's supreme law, promulgated on 20 September 2015 (2072 Ashwin 3) by the second Constituent Assembly. It establishes Nepal as a federal democratic republic, guarantees fundamental rights, and sets out the structure of the federal, provincial, and local governments across 35 parts, 308 articles, and 9 schedules.
Overview
The Constitution of Nepal was endorsed by the second Constituent Assembly and came into effect on 20 September 2015, replacing the Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007. It transformed Nepal from a unitary state into a federal democratic republic comprising seven provinces, and consolidated the political changes that followed the 2006 people's movement and the end of the monarchy.
As the supreme law, every other statute in Nepal — including the National Civil Code and National Criminal Code available on our resources page — must conform to it. Provisions found inconsistent with the Constitution can be struck down by the Supreme Court.
Structure of the Constitution
35 parts, 308 articles, and 9 schedules. A few of the most-referenced sections:
Parts 1–3
Preliminary, Citizenship & the State
Nepal as a federal, democratic, secular republic; provisions on citizenship; the structure of the federal state.
Part 3
Fundamental Rights & Duties
The Bill of Rights — equality, freedom, justice, and other constitutionally guaranteed rights, with corresponding duties.
Parts 6–9
Executive, Legislature & Judiciary
Structure and powers of the federal executive, the Federal Parliament, and the courts, from District Courts to the Supreme Court.
Parts 12–17
Federalism
Provincial and local governments, and the distribution of powers between federal, provincial, and local levels.
Part 27
Constitutional Bodies
The Constitutional Council, Public Service Commission, Election Commission, and other independent oversight bodies.
Schedules 1–9
Schedules
The national flag and emblem, federal-provincial-local power lists, and other supplementary material.
Amendments
April 2016
First Amendment — revised provisions on citizenship and provincial boundaries following demands raised during the promulgation process.
18 June 2020
Second Amendment — updated the national emblem (Schedule 3) to reflect Nepal’s revised political map, incorporating the Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura areas.
The English PDF above reflects the text as amended by the Second Amendment. For the authoritative Nepali original, always refer to the Nepal Law Commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Constitution of Nepal promulgated?
20 September 2015 (2072 Ashwin 3), by the second Constituent Assembly — replacing the Interim Constitution of Nepal, 2007.
How many parts, articles, and schedules does it have?
35 parts, 308 articles, and 9 schedules.
Has it been amended?
Twice — in April 2016 (citizenship and provincial boundary provisions) and on 18 June 2020 (the national emblem, reflecting Nepal's revised political map).
Text mirrored from the Nepal Law Commission (lawcommission.gov.np) for reliable access, and provided for general reference only — it is not legal advice.
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